Denver Broncos

Gary Kubiak explains why Broncos let go of Mark Sanchez in favor of Austin Davis

Published Sep. 4, 2016 8:31 p.m. ET

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Mark Sanchez barley lasted six months with the Denver Broncos, who traded for the veteran quarterback in March. Denver cut Sanchez on Friday, opting to go with Austin Davis as its third-string quarterback instead of the former first-round pick.

So why did the Broncos favor Davis, who was released by the Browns in August, over Sanchez?

"We just made a decision to go in a different direction," coach Gary Kubiak told reporters Sunday, via Pro Football Talk. "Mark's obviously had a lot of experience and stuff, but we went young at the quarterback position so that's why we also brought Austin in here. We have confidence in these guys and we'll go to work. We wish Mark all of the best. He was a true professional and a great person through everything."

Not exactly a ringing endorsement for Sanchez, whom the Cowboys officially signed Sunday. The Broncos are now off the hook for the $4.5 million they would have owed Sanchez and won't have to give the Eagles a seventh-round pick in the trade.

Kubiak believes Davis will be a quick learner in his offensive system.

"I studied him really hard coming out," Kubiak said. "He has a little bit of background of my verbiage. He's been in some quarterback rooms of guys that have played for me so I thought that we could make up some ground here pretty quick. When he's had some opportunities, he's done some good stuff. We'll see. We'll take it a day at a time, but I think he'll catch up pretty quick."